California’s capital city was extremely busy last week as city officials from throughout the state traveled to Sacramento for the League’s 119th Annual Conference & Expo. The event featured 52 educational sessions, 259 exhibitors, dynamic keynote speakers, recognition of work by cities, legislative awards, the adoption of two resolutions and the swearing in of the 2017–18 officers and board of directors. Held Sept. 13–15, the conference coincided with the last three days of the 2017 legislative session and during breaks between sessions, city officials met with their legislators to advocate on bills affecting cities.

Meetings and Events, Institute for Local Government, Board, Helen Putnam

More than 250 city officials gathered on the North Steps of the Capitol on Sept. 15 to call on Gov. Jerry Brown to veto SB 649 (Hueso). The 10 a.m. press conference brought together cities, counties, labor and AARP and attracted the attention of newspapers and television stations statewide. Previous press conferences were held in Long Beach and Fresno in the weeks prior to the Legislature’s adjournment.

The Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has announced 2017 CDBG NOFA Application Workshops. The four workshops will help eligible CDBG non-entitlement jurisdictions and/or consultants in the preparation of applications.